Vernon

Saturday, May 25, 2013

Lessons Learned from Living on My Bike

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Since I turned 50, I’ve pedaled over 15,000 miles through 33
states. That includes three trips across North America, northern US,
southern US, and central US, down both coasts, and up the Mississippi. I’ve
cycled alone and with a diversity of companions, including 4500 miles with an
11-yr-old girl and her 2-yr-old twin sisters. I’ve learned a few lessons in the
process, which generally apply to life.

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1.Less is More. Put everything you think you
need to live onto a bicycle and start pedaling. Before you crest the first
hill, you will have figured out how to get along without much of it.
Possessions are burdens.

2.Anticipate the Best but Prepare
for the Worst. The
best way to dissolve fear is to know exactly what you would do in the
worst-case scenario. Fear is not a healthy motivator, while love is.

3.Lower Your Center of Gravity. If you carry your load in a
backpack, besides being sweaty and heavy, it destabilizes. On top of a rack is
okay for light things, but most of the load belongs in low riding panniers,
where it actually stabilizes. Use your tools to optimize stability. Stay
grounded.

4.Breathe, Drink, Eat, Wash, &
Sleep. You
can’t do anything until you take care of the essentials, including lots of pure
water, a wholesome diet, and bathing to avoid saddle sores. Long, slow, deep
breaths are the most basic. Build routines around your fundamental needs.

5.Fix it Before it’s a Problem. Daily cleaning of the chain
prevents wear. Properly adjusted bearings last much longer. Lubrication before
rust makes more sense.

6.Stretch Regularly. After you pedal eight hours a
day for a week, walking down a staircase can be excruciating, unless you do
yoga too. You maintain flexibility and range of motion by regularly testing
your limits in every direction.

7.The Most Experienced Rider
Follows the Pack.
The lead rider should know the route and set a moderate pace. The sweep rider,
last in line, should have the tools and knowledge to fix any problem that
happens. From the back, you can see everybody and they can hear you. Most of
leadership is supporting others.

8.Hold Your Line. The safest cyclist is visible
and predictable, riding steadily out from obstacles. Suddenly veering out to
avoid something can get you killed. Plan a straight course by looking far
enough ahead.

9.Sometimes You Take the Lane. If there’s not enough room for
a car to safely pass you, the safest place to be is in the middle of the lane.
You’ve got to be brave enough to assert your right to the road. Timidity can be
fatal.

10.Momentum
is Our Friend.
The speed you gain on the downhill can help a great deal going up the next
hill. Go with the flow and use the forces of nature to achieve your goals.

11.Only
Stop at the Top. Everybody
needs an occasional break. If you rest in a valley, you’ll have a lot tougher
time getting started again than if you rest on top of the hill. Wait until
you’ve accomplished something big to reward yourself. Then look for a shady
spot, because you can’t cool down well in direct sun. When you finally find
shade on a hilltop, you'll have earned your break.

12.Concentrate
on Spin. No
matter where you ride, it will be easiest if you devote your attention to the
precise application of your gears, legs, ankles, and feet to turning those
cranks to an uplifting song(about 100 rpms). Stay in the moment.

13.You
Can. I’m just a
normal guy, not some super athlete. Living car-free for 17 years has greatly
improved my life, mostly because it brought me a little closer to my own
ideals. Please allow yourself to live up to your brightest dreams.7